Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji on Thursday 17 December 2020, with reports of significant damage across Fiji. Tearfund Australia is supporting our partners to assist the most vulnerable communities in the immediate aftermath.
Note: Donations to this Appeal have now closed. We will provide updates to donors on the work of our partners as information becomes available.
Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall in Fiji on the evening of Thursday 17 December. At least 850,000 men, women and children live in the path of Cyclone Yasa, a Category 5 cyclone with winds gusting up to 350km/h and waves of up to 12m.
Flood, heavy winds, and heavy rain warnings remain in force in different regions of Fiji. There remains a risk of landslides, dangerous ocean conditions, and storm surges in various communities across Fiji. Media report.
Tearfund Australia is supporting Tearfund New Zealand’s partnership with Anglican Mission and their network of 23 churches across Fiji to assist the most vulnerable communities in the immediate aftermath. These churches have been involved in mapping their local communities to find and connect with the most vulnerable people (the elderly, people with disabilities, women and child-headed households). Churches have some pre-positioned stocks to distribute to cyclone-impacted households as needed.
It is still too early to understand the full impact of Cyclone Yasa. It will take some days for assessments to be completed. Many of the worst affected areas are inaccessible, and communication is down.
Churches that would have been preparing for Christmas and Sunday church services are now running as evacuation centres and first responders.
We will need your help to reach as many affected people as possible with practical support.
Lord, we bring to you the people of Fiji who are impacted by Cyclone Yasa. We ask that you sustain those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Comfort them and give them a sense of your love, presence and provision.
We thank you for the local churches in Fiji who are assessing the impact of the cyclone in their local communities and determining how best to respond. Equip them as they navigate this situation. We pray that resources and support can be mobilised quickly and effectively.
Amen
During times of humanitarian crises people, especially Australians, feel compelled to give generously. When disasters strike, people often ask Tearfund whether we can accept goods for those who have suffered, and send them to our local partner organisations. While we are always grateful for offers of support and we recognise that people respond from their hearts and out of compassion, sending goods is rarely the best way to support those in need overseas. The website https://donateresponsibly.org/ explains more.
Tearfund Australia responds to partner requests for emergency assistance either directly or through joint efforts with other members of the Integral Alliance, a global alliance of Christian relief and development agencies responding to emergency situations around the world.
Your donation to Tearfund’s ‘Cyclone Yasa (Fiji) Emergency Appeal will be used for humanitarian response activities with communities impacted by cyclones in Fiji. This appeal closes on 28 February 2021. Excess donations received, or received after this date, will be redirected to other humanitarian response activities. Tearfund complies with Australian Privacy Principles. We will keep you informed about our work and appeals but you can unsubscribe at any time by calling 1800 244 986. ABN 85 085 413 832. View our privacy policy.
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